Top 10 Wedding Recessional Songs

Much like the process for deciding on the wedding processional song, choosing the music for the ceremony recessional is no easy task for some couples. This trip back up the aisle as a married couple is filled with emotion, so finding the right song to accompany this big moment can be easier said than done. To help make this decision easier, we’ve put together some advice on how to choose a song to represent your first steps into married life and compiled our top 10 wedding recessional song choices.

How to Choose Your Wedding Recessional Song

While the first dance song is typically chosen because it’s special to the couple and their relationship, the ceremony music is less straightforward and, traditionally, less personal. However, this has been changing for some time: many modern couples look at the processional and recessional songs as additional opportunities to showcase their personalities, or to include other songs that have sentimental or emotional value for them as a couple. Whether you decide to take this modern approach or stick with more traditional song options is up to you, but here are some things to consider when choosing your wedding recessional song:

1. Think About What’s Important to You

First, think about what’s important to you as a couple. Is sticking with tradition priority, or would you rather take a more personalized approach to your ceremony music? Does the recessional song mean a lot to you, or is it not an important detail? Ask yourselves questions like these as you begin to map out the music for your wedding ceremony.

2. Figure Out The Emotion and Tone You want to Convey

After you’ve done some self-reflection on the topic of your recessional song, figure out what emotions you want to inspire in your guests as you exit the ceremony as a newly married couple. Do you want guests jumping out of their seats with excitement, or would you rather see tears of joy? Do you want beautiful lyrics, or would you rather have the melody take center stage? These decisions will help narrow down your song choices.

3. Tune Out Outside Opinions

While it’s certainly okay to consult others for their thoughts on your ceremony music selections, remember that it’s only your and your partner’s opinions that matter at the end of the day. It’s your wedding, so go with whatever makes you happiest.

4. Remember to Make It Fun

When you’re planning a wedding, sometimes the smallest decisions can feel overwhelming. If choosing your wedding recessional song starts to bring on feelings of frustration, step back, take a deep breath, and search for ways to make it fun again. We suggest making a date night out of choosing your wedding songs. Pour yourselves some wine, put on your dancing shoes, pull up the online music streaming service of your choice and spend the evening dancing in the kitchen and listening to your favorites. The perfect songs for your wedding are out there—enjoy discovering them.

Top 10 Wedding Recessional Songs

To help inspire you and showcase the many different styles of music you can choose for your exit, here are Zola's top 10 wedding recessional songs. From a traditional classical choice to an offbeat modern option, we made selections for couples of every style.

1. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” By Stevie Wonder

There’s no better song to communicate that the deal has been sealed: you’re married! And as an added bonus, this upbeat classic hit is sure to get everyone excited to hit the dance floor at the reception.

Perfect for: The classic couple.

Listen to this song.

2. “Halo” by Beyoncé

This Beyoncé favorite is powerful and mesmerizing in its ability to capture the incredible feeling of falling in love. If your guests are anything like us, there won’t be a dry eye in the crowd.

Perfect for: The romantic couple.

Listen to this song.

3. “The Arrival of The Queen of Sheba” by Handel

While all our other songs picks are more modern choices, we couldn’t overlook the many amazing classical options that have often been used through the years for traditional wedding recessionals. The pure joy that this song conveys makes it as lovely as any set of lyrics on this list.

Perfect for: The traditional couple.

Listen to this song.

4. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen

Taking up the tempo, this Queen classic will certainly end your ceremony on a high note, and Freddy Mercury was right: being love is a crazy little thing.

Perfect for: The casual couple.

Listen to this song.

5. “Baby I’m Yours” by The Arctic Monkeys (Cover)

Striking the perfect balance between upbeat and subdued, this song’s simple yet heartfelt lyrics make it a great choice if you want to end your ceremony on a sweet note.

Perfect for: The boho couple.

Listen to this song.

6. “I Got You Babe” by Sonny & Cher

You just promised to stick by each other through the good times and the bad, so what better song to reiterate those words than this ‘70s feel-good oldie (but goodie)? Plus, the message that you can get through anything together is one that we can’t help but love.

Perfect for: The vintage couple.

Listen to this song.

7. “Electric Love” by Børns

This high-tempo, indie-pop song may fall on the exact opposite end of the spectrum as the love ballad on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less perfect for your big exit as newlyweds. For some, finding the one for you is more like an “electric” bolt of lightning than a slow fall.

Perfect for: The modern couple.

Listen to this song.

8. “The Way You Love Me” by Faith Hill

Being loved by that special person feels good, doesn’t it? This song explores that incredible feeling and has a upbeat, feel-good vibe, making it an easy choice for our list of favorites.

Perfect for: The rustic couple.

Listen to this song.

9. “Sweet Creature” by Harry Styles

In this stripped-down acoustic song, Harry Styles sings about the imperfect, but soul-deep connection that comes with being in love. If you’re looking for something that gets to the essence of marriage but hasn’t been played to the point of being cliché, “Sweet Creature” is a great choice.

Perfect for: The offbeat couple.

Listen to this song.

10. “Treasure” by Bruno Mars

For a recent release that has a true ‘80s disco-pop feel, you’d be hard pressed to find a groovier pick than “Treasure.” You found a priceless treasure in each other and this song will shout it from the rooftops.

Perfect for: The glamorous couple.

Listen to this song.